Wednesday, the comedy/goth/supernatural/YA mystery hit that became the most viewed show on Netflix, is officially renewed. After weeks of speculation about the show’s fate, the streamer has confirmed it will return. Or should I say THING? (THING is the disembodied hand that’s the main characters’ friend)
Netflix made the announcement on social media with a video recapping some of the many events to take place during its freshman season. Wednesday is a spinoff of The Addams Family franchise and focuses on Wednesday Addams, played by Jenna Ortega.
“It’s been incredible to create a show that has connected with people across the world,” said showrunners and main writers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar in a statement. “Thrilled to continue Wednesday’s tortuous journey into season two. We can’t wait to dive head first into another season and explore the kooky spooky world of Nevermore. Just need to make sure Wednesday hasn’t emptied the pool first.”
Since its release Nov. 23, the debut season has twice broke the record for most hours viewed in a single week by an English-language TV series. There are no details yet on some key follow-up questions, such as how involved producer-director Tim Burton will be with season 2, after helping develop the series and directing the first four episodes.
“We’ve never seen her as a teenage girl,” Ortega told Entertainment Weekly. Also, it’s eight-hour series so, for an emotionless character, there has to be some sort of an emotional arc…I’ve never had the opportunity to play an iconic character before. I know she’s well-loved and well-respected and I just don’t want to mess her up.”
The show has become a sensation with Wednesday products selling at Hot Topic and Cakeworthy and reaction video to Ortega’s show-stopping dance sequence racking up 80 million views on Tiktok, according to Netflix.
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David Raiklen wrote, directed and scored his first film at age 9. He began studying keyboard and composing at age 5. He attended, then taught at UCLA, USC and CalArts. Among his teachers are John Williams and Mel Powel.
He has worked for Fox, Disney and Sprint. David has received numerous awards for his work, including the 2004 American Music Center Award. Dr. Raiklen has composed music and sound design for theater (Death and the Maiden), dance (Russian Ballet), television (Sing Me a Story), cell phone (Spacey Movie), museums (Museum of Tolerance), concert (Violin Sonata ), and film (Appalachian Trail).
His compositions have been performed at the Hollywood Bowl and the first Disney Hall. David Raiken is also host of a successful radio program, Classical Fan Club.
